March Birthstone - Aquamarine
For those born in the month of March, the official gemstone is the Aquamarine. It can range in color from a very pale shade, almost colorless, which is also the most valuable, to a most sought-after deep-blue aqua. Some of the ranges in color could be due to its ability to darken permanently with heat due to its amount of iron, which is considered to be an impurity. In knowing this however, it is important to know that the gems do not alter in quality at this point, but only in appearance. These can be heat treated to create a pure blue from a blue-green or teal. Its name originates, quite understandably, from the Latin words meaning water and sea.
The month of March is the time of year in which the world makes a shift renewing life and even creating new life. It is a time when all of us must shed our winter skin, cleanse our bodies of many of the heavy foods we consumed throughout the cold winter months that now slow us down. Many clean their homes, change their home decorations for brighter, fresher colors and textures. It is a time to refresh one’s life and mentality. One who possesses the Aquamarine can draw energy from it’s beautiful, fresh color, opening their hearts and minds for a new season.
During the Middle Ages, aquamarine was believed to gift its owner with a decrease in the effects of an inflicted poison, induce cheerfulness and compose the mind and heart. For older married couples, it gave them the inspiration to reawaken and rekindle their love. But even before, the Egyptians and Hebrews loved and cherished the aquamarine. Its brilliant color represents the sea and the air, identified with the apostle, St.Thomas, who made long journeys by sea to preach salvation. From this, sailors were known to wear this preventing seasickness and guide them safely on their voyages. The Amethyst has been considered the gift from mermaids aiding sailors at sea safety.
The powers of this stone have been known to grant revelations to aid in the search for lost things in one’s life. For those with complications of the liver, stomach, throat and jaws, the wearing of an aquamarine could bring relief. To its bearer, it can quicken your intelligence and intellect, cure laziness, and instill courage. The Romans believed that by wearing this gem one would absorb young love and its aura, and “When blessed and worn, it joins in love, and does great things”. It has also been carved into a crystal ball used in fortune-telling.
Aquamarine has been found in Brazil, also known as the Land of Aquamarine Stone.In 1910, the largest crystal of Aquamarine was mined there, weighing 243 pounds. It has also been found in Siberia, India, and in North Carolina of the United States. However, Madagascar is considered the historical source of the aquamarine, where medium to dark stones were found.
Some other interesting march birthstone facts about the aquamarine:
-Said to give its bearers the ability to overcome phobias and grief, and cure insomnia.
-It originates from the beryl family of minerals, and makes it the sister of the emerald.
-It is the official stone of Colorado.
Other birth symbols of March:
March Birthstone Flower:
Daffodil, signaling a rebirth and a regard for unrequited love. Beware of bringing a single flower of this flower into the home, as it can bring about bad luck.
March Birthstone Tree:
The Hazelnut tree represents hidden wisdom and divine gifts.
Famous People born in March:
Reese Witherspoon- March 22, 1976
Dane Cook- March 18, 1972
Steve McQueen- March 24, 1930
Ewan McGregor- March 31, 1971
Quentin Tarantino- March 27, 1963
Andrew Lloyd Webber- March 22, 1948
Bruce Willis- March 19, 1955